Mandated Reporting

Reporters

In California, mandated reporters are professionals, who, in the ordinary course of their work have regular contact with children, disabled persons, or senior citizens, and are required to report physical, sexual, or other types of abuse.

These reports are to be made whenever abuse or neglect is observed or suspected or when there is evidence of neglect, knowledge of an incident, or an imminent risk of serious harm.

Example

A teacher must report to child welfare authorities if they know of a child attending school who appears to be malnourished or has bruising, complains of neglect, or otherwise demonstrates signs of neglect or abuse at home.